Firecracker Cupcakes

Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Yield: 24 Servings

Ingredients:

• 5 pieces red pull-and-peel licorice
• 6 drops red food coloring
• 1 cup flaked coconut, divided
• 4 drops blue food coloring
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 24 cupcakes of your choice
• Assorted red and blue sprinkles, optional

Directions:

1. Cut each licorice twist into five pieces; pull apart one end of each to make firecracker fuses. Set aside.
2. In a resealable plastic bag, combine 1/4 teaspoon water and red food coloring; add 1/2 cup coconut. Seal bag and shake to tint coconut.
3. In another bag, combine 1/4 teaspoon water and blue food coloring; add remaining coconut.
4. Seal bag and shake to tint.
   Spread whipped topping over cupcakes; decorate with coconut or sprinkles as desired.
5. Insert firecraker fuses into tops.
6. Refrigerate until serving. 

Yield: 2 dozen.